Lorry driver charged over A27 Brighton Bypass death crash

A lorry driver is to appear in court charged with causing the death of a pensioner in a crash on the A27 Brighton Bypass.

Andrew May, 45, is accused of causing the death of Ernest Humphrey, 79.

Mr Humphrey, of Mackie Avenue, Hassocks, died after Mr May’s lorry hit the black Vauxhall Zafira in which the pensioner was travelling.

The crash happened on the eastbound carriageway of the A27 close to the Southwick Tunnel, at the Portslade end, on Thursday 25 July last year.

The lorry struck the Vauxhall before crossing the central reservation and overturning, blocking the westbound carriageway beyond the Hangleton junction.

The eastbound carriageway also had to be closed while the injured men in the Vauxhall were rescued and the barrier was repaired.

The 49-year-old man, from Hassocks, who was driving the Vauxhall, suffered head, leg and chest injuries. He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment.

Mr Humphrey, who was a passenger in the car, was flown to Southampton General Hospital but died of his injuries on Tuesday 30 July.

Mr May, of Truro Avenue, Doncaster, suffered minor injuries.

Yesterday he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He was released on bail to appear at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 29 April.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk.